Located in the northeastern New Territories of Hong Kong, Sha Lo Tung is an upland valley cradled by the hills of Pat Sin Leng Country Park on all four sides. Streams meander through woodland, scrubland and grassland. Home to the only freshwater wetland in Hong Kong, the valley provides a habitat for about 65% of dragonfly species and about 35% of butterfly species in Hong Kong. In recent years, thousands of fireflies have been found in the abandoned paddy fields of the valley. The wetland is also home to some of the world’s rarest freshwater fish species as well as many rare protected plants. So far, five species of protected orchids, 16 rare species of plants and 170 species of herbs (including the well-known herbal medicine Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae) are found in Sha Lo Tung. It was designated by the Hong Kong government as a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’.
There are three traditional villages in Sha Lo Tung: Cheung Uk, Lee Uk Tsuen and Lo Wai. Cheung Uk village has a history of over 400 years and is listed as a Grade II historical building in Hong Kong.
Suggested Routes:
1. Take Kowloon Motor Bus No. 74K, 275 or 275S at Tai Po Market Railway Station. Disembark at Fung Yuen Road stop and walk along Sha Lo Tung Road for about one hour.
2. Take Kowloon Motor Bus No. 72A or 75K at Tai Wai Railway Station. Disembark at Dai Fat Street stop and walk along Sha Lo Tung Road for about one hour
3. Take green minibus Route No. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20K or 26 at Tai Po Market Railway Station. Disembark at Fung Yuen and walk along Sha Lo Tung Road for about one hour.
